When seeing young people ask, "What’s the best way to start trading?" I often think of prop trading, which is another interesting option for those serious about trading.

Simply put, prop trading is when a company provides you with capital to trade and shares the profits according to an agreement. It’s not unusual, but for beginners, they need to understand that it’s not as easy as it seems. Prop trading companies want traders with real skills and discipline, not just dreams of getting rich.

Joining prop trading usually requires going through an evaluation process called a "challenge," where you must prove that you can generate consistent profits. This evaluation period typically lasts between 30-60 days, depending on the company. Some companies may charge an entry fee, which is common in this industry.

What I find interesting is that prop trading offers a fair amount of freedom. You can choose your own working hours, don’t need to go to an office, and if you perform well, your profits are unlimited. But the downside is clear: income is not guaranteed, there’s no fixed salary, no benefits, and it requires high discipline and mental strength.

If you decide to try prop trading, I recommend controlling your risks carefully. This is the most important thing. Use support and resistance levels as basic tools, study the RSI indicator (values 0-100) to see if the market is overbought or oversold, and most importantly, don’t let emotions control your trading.

The difference between prop trading and hedge funds is that hedge funds collect money from external investors, while prop trading uses the company’s own funds. Prop trading companies profit from trading gains, not from fees.

In recent years, online prop trading has grown significantly. People can apply online, submit documents, go through interviews, and start from home without going to an office, which has changed the trading game a lot.

But I must warn that prop trading is not a shortcut to wealth. You need to study the markets deeply, have a clear trading plan, test strategies before using real money, and most importantly, only risk money you can afford to lose. Different companies have different requirements; some offer a 50/50 profit split, others 25-30%, depending on your skills.

If you’re serious about trading, prop trading could be a good opportunity, but you must prepare yourself. Keep learning, stay disciplined, and have a strong mindset—that’s the formula for success in this industry.